Celebrate Makar Sankranti 2026 on January 14, coinciding with rare Shattila Ekadashi. Learn rituals, auspicious timings, and charity tips.
This year, Makar Sankranti is celebrated on January 14th, the same day the Sun enters the sign of Capricorn. This year’s celebration is particularly noteworthy because it falls on Shattila Ekadashi, a rare celestial pairing that hasn’t happened in almost 23 years. Makar Sankranti and Ekadashi last fell on the same day in 2003.
Astrologically speaking, the Sun starts its northward trip, known as Uttarayan, when it enters Capricorn. In Hindu culture, this is considered to be extremely auspicious. The establishment of two very beneficial yogas, Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga and Amrit Siddhi Yoga, on Makar Sankranti this year will also increase the spiritual significance of the rituals, prayers, and almsgiving carried out on this day.
Lucky Times for Makar Sankranti
- Auspicious Period (Punyakal): 3:04 PM to 5:57 PM
- From 3:04 PM to 3:28 PM, Mahapunyakal
- Charity Muhurat and Bathing: 9:03 AM to 10:48 AM
Rituals of Makar Sankranti Puja
It is recommended that devotees take a holy bath, ideally in a sacred river, after waking up during Brahma Muhurat. It is considered auspicious for people who take their baths at home to add sesame seeds (til) to the water. Devotees should use a copper vase to present water, red flowers, sesame seeds, and rice grains to the Sun God after taking a bath. Chanting mantras like “Om Suryaya Namah” or “Om Ghrini Suryaya Namah” is thought to be helpful throughout the ceremony.
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Worship of Lord Vishnu is particularly significant because the day also coincides with Ekadashi. Fruits and preparations made with sesame should be offered as bhog by devotees. Particularly for the poor, charitable giving should be done to the best of one’s ability.
Charity’s Significance on Makar Sankranti
On Makar Sankranti, charity is extremely important, especially because it coincides with Shattila Ekadashi infrequently. Giving away necessities like food grains, clothing, cash, sesame seeds, and jaggery-based goods is said to have significant spiritual benefits. On this day, giving ghee, fruits, or vegetables is also said to be very beneficial.